DWCS 40's Victor Martinez broke striking record but credits final takedown for victory over Jacob Rosales

LAS VEGAS – After getting dropped at the end of Round 1, Victor Martinez knew he had some work to do.

Martinez (13-4) recovered well and was able to rally and take the final two rounds in a wildly entertaining unanimous decision win over Jacob Rosales at Dana White’s Contender Series 40 on Tuesday.

The Fortis MMA fighter broke the record of most significant strikes landed in a Contender Series lightweight bout and was awarded a UFC contract for his impressive performance.

“We did expect that,” Martinez told MMA Junkie and other reporters in attendance at the UFC Apex following Tuesday’s DWCS 40 event. “My coach had told me to expect it to be a fight, and going into the first round, I know he dropped me – I don’t know what he dropped me with, I just remember blinking, and then I was on the floor and I was like, ‘Oh damn, I’ve got to get up.’ So I just started working my way up, but I got the win. I even broke a record, and I’m just excited and happy to be here.”

He continued, “My coaches were nervous, but I think that last takedown I got sealed the fight for me, and I do give him the first round. I think second and third, I closed it out.”

To see the full interview with Martinez, check out the video above.